We all know how important it is to give feedback to our little learners. However, sometimes it feels like everything else is getting done, and students need more meaningful and authentic feedback that they can act on immediately! Feedback can come in many forms, including from peers or self-reflection. Today I will focus on a strategy for teachers to provide students meaningful, authentic and timely feedback!
Feedback slips are an effective way for teachers to provide quick feedback on students learning. They are easy to prep, and once cut, they are ready anytime! {Scroll to the bottom of this blog post to download these slips for FREE!}
Now that you have something to write on that clearly states that you are giving feedback, what do I write on them?!
Start with Praise!
I always like to start with a positive statement that radiates positivity, rainbows and magical unicorns. Now the words ‘Well Done’ can get repetitive quickly! That’s why I like to use the fantastic 87 praise phrases from Jen Jones at Hello Literacy. I know this card well now. However, when I started using it, I had it hanging off my lanyard!
You can purchase your own praise phrases card from Teacher Pay Teachers.
Two Stars and a Wish
It is now time for the meaningful and constructive feedback that allows your little learners to reflect on their work and to guide them in working towards their goals or where to next in their learning!
Thinking about the strategy of two stars and a wish when providing feedback is a great framework to ensure you are giving meaningful feedback! The two stars refer to things the students have done well, and the wish is a suggestion for improvement.
The wording of this feedback is essential. Here are some sentence starters that work for me –
Once I complete the slip, I simply staple it to work. When I give the result back to students, I always let them know that if they would like to chat about their feedback, I am always there for them.
Feedback should be meaningful, authentic and timely! This blog post has provided a practical way for you to give your little learners the feedback they need to continue growing and flourishing!
Happy learning, and remember to teach big and change the world.
Tess
